Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps on a Tour

It all started with a man and a mouse. But there’s more to the story. Guests who are great fans of Disneyland, and Disney in general, can learn more about Walt Disney himself, and the history behind Disneyland, by taking a guided tour at Disneyland. The big question? Is the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Guided Tour worth it or not? The ticket prices aren’t cheap, and for many, the added expense could be a deal breaker. This TravelingMom finally had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. But was it worth it? Read on to see her take on this tour.

Yeah or Nay to Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Tour?

Prior to my family’s trip to Disneyland in April, taking the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps guided tour had been on my list for a long time. Like a really long time. My husband was getting tired of hearing me talk about it every time we planned a trip to Disneyland. Tickets for the three-hour tour cost $109.00 per person, so we kept nixing it from our planned visits. I knew my husband would enjoy the tour, but my preschool aged son? A whole other story.

It all changed in April. Because it was my birthday. And it can be all about me sometimes, so I decided to finally sign up for the tour as a present to me. As a Disney Visa member, I received tickets at a discounted price. My mom also traveled with us, and she was on board with taking the tour with me. We booked the tour on our last day at the park while my husband took my son to Toon Town and some of the rides in Fantasyland.

Is This Disneyland Tour Worth the Money?

Is Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps tour ultimately worth the cost of admission? For my mom and me, it absolutely was worth it. Not only am I glad that I had the opportunity to finally take the tour, but I’m glad I took the tour with my mom, who loves Disneyland as much as I do. Read on for reasons why I believe the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps guided tour is worth the money.

Personalized Attention and Collector’s Pin

Two tours per day and approximately 15 people in each tour group equaled more personalized attention to each guest. Added bonus…when my mom and I checked in at the designated location, we were handed collector’s pins personalized with our names. Score another one for my birthday! And what a great way to build guests’ excitement for the next three hours.

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The personalized pin each guest receives is one of the reasons why the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps tour is worth the money. Photo by Multidimensional TravelingMom Kristi Mehes.

The History

Let’s face it. It’s loud at the park and people are in a hurry to get from one place to another. As a guest of the tour, the slow pace was appreciated. The guide starts at the front of the park first, where guests are officially welcomed. Because of the park’s noise level, we were provided with audioguides so that we could hear our guide talking.

For those of you who have been to Disneyland, how many times have you actually stopped at the plaque and read what’s written there? I’ll confess that I hadn’t. I was always in too much of a hurry to get in line for the latest attraction. The inscription is written in the caption below, but I love what it says, and what it stands for. (See photo below to also be inspired!)

“To all who come to this happy place, Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past…..and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America….with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” Photo by Multidimensional TravelingMom, Kristi Mehes.

Throughout the tour, guests learn more about Walt Disney, his family, and the significance of certain areas of the park.

For example, I had no idea how involved his brother was in creating Disneyland. We also learned more about Walt’s wife and children. As a person who loves visiting Disneyland, it gave me more appreciation for Disneyland and all those involved in making it happen.

Ability to Skip Some Lines

When you book the tour, a cast member will tell you that the itinerary is not guaranteed. This may cause you to rethink your decision. But it all worked out as most guests experience at least two rides in Disneyland Park without having to wait in line. This is when you get to feel like a VIP but without the additional cost.

Our two rides were Haunted Mansion and, to my delight, Alice in Wonderland. I hadn’t been on Alice in Wonderland for years because there is always a long line. Of course, the one time my family did get in line, the ride broke down. The Alice in Wonderland ride has a lot of meaning for me, as I remember going on this ride with my grandmother when I was very young.

Experience Disney Magic in the Dream Suite

Right now, the tour also includes a visit to the Dream Suite, which is located above Pirates of the Caribbean. What you’ve never heard of the Dream Suite? Pshaw! Well, this space was originally planned as a private apartment for Walt Disney to entertain special guests, but he passed away before it could be completed. Every part of the Suite is beautifully designed and full of surprises. A stay in the Dream Suite was included in The Year of a Million Dreams giveaways. And yes it is that awesome!

This was definitely the highlight of the tour, but please note that this is not guaranteed. If you are allowed to tour the Dream Suite, you can only have one photo taken while inside. The Dream Suite was magical, and could easily be an attraction of its own.

It turned out it wasn’t just a dream. This picture is proof that we were there in the Dream Suite, while on the Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Tour! Photo by Multidimensional TravelingMom, Kristi Mehes.

Lunch Included

The tour ends in time for lunch, which is included in the cost of the tour. We ate at Jolly Holliday Bakery, where I enjoyed a deli-type sandwich and a Mickey Mouse cookie. (All paired quite naturally with a Diet Coke, because it is about choices, right?)

Lunch was provided during the tour. Photo by Multidimensional TravelingMom, Kristi Mehes.I may or may not have eaten the cookie before the sandwich. Photo by Multidimensional TravelingMom, Kristi Mehes.

Some Drawbacks

One of the drawbacks of the tour is that it’s a little too long, and guests end up walking back and forth to some of the same locations. For younger children and some grandparents, it may get tiring very easily.

Unfortunately, neither rides nor a visit to the Dream Suite is guaranteed. If that’s the only reason you want to take the tour, then that’s something you should consider.

And finally, this tour is geared more for older children and adults. My preschool aged son would not have done well on the tour.

However, for this Disney fan, the Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps guided tour was well worth the money.

About Kristi Mehes

Kristi Mehes is a full time working mom who lives in the Southwest with her son, her husband, and golden retriever. She’s always dreaming of and planning her family’s next adventure! She’s traveled extensively throughout the United States as well as Canada, Central America and Europe. Now that she has a 5 year old son, her trips have taken off in a new direction. You can read about her family’s adventures at The Cactus Chronicles.

Thank you for this review. I loved reading it. My husband and I live in Fl. and we have done the “Keys to the Kingdom” tour and that was a 5 hour tour but we so enjoyed it, being the Walt fans that we are! I hope to one day make it to Cali to enjoy the park there!